OPT AI Strategy Lead Jobs
AI Strategy Lead roles sit at the intersection of artificial intelligence and business transformation, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in computer science, data science, or business analytics. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT-eligible, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to build experience in this fast-growing field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Brandeis University's Graduate Professional Studies (GPS) is looking for an industry leader to teach in our Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology & Enterprise program. Brandeis University is consistently ranked among the nation's top universities, and our online courses are developed using best practices in online learning. Information about Brandeis University and Graduate Professional Studies can be found online.
Course Title: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Drug Development
This course explores the use of AI and ML in pharmaceutical R&D. Topics include data preprocessing, predictive modeling, and applications in target identification, drug screening, and clinical trial optimization. Students gain hands-on experience using tools and algorithms to analyze real-world biotech data sets.
QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified candidates will have Subject Matter Qualifications in the following areas.
Required:
- Current active employment in the relevant biotech or pharmaceutical industry
- Deep knowledge of course-specific applications and industry practices
- Ph.D. or M.S.
- Strong communication and analytical skills
Preferred:
- Previous teaching experience or experience delivering professional training
- Familiarity with online instructional tools and platforms
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design a syllabus following program chair guidance and the syllabus template
- Create content aligned with course outcomes, integrating personal expertise
- Facilitate online discussions and provide timely, relevant feedback
- Maintain the course site and update content in the Moodle LMS
- Lead students in AI model development and interpretation using biotech case studies
- Help students critically assess the limitations and ethics of AI in pharmaceutical innovation
GENERAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster student engagement
- Written communication skills, especially for online learning
- Ability to manage time effectively and respond promptly to students
- Proficiency in applying machine learning tools (e.g., Python, scikit-learn, TensorFlow) to drug discovery datasets
ABOUT THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGY & ENTERPRISE
This program prepares students to innovate and lead in the fast-paced biotech industry, integrating scientific knowledge with business strategy. Students learn through project-based, real-world applications.
All GPS courses are 8-weeks long and taught asynchronously online.
ABOUT GPS FACULTY
GPS Faculty are active industry professionals who teach part-time, online. Our instructors hold at least a master's degree, and many have terminal degrees and professional certifications. Previous teaching experience is not required; GPS provides full training.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested candidates should submit:
- A cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and teaching experience.
- A current CV or resume.
- Contact information for three professional references.
- (Optional) Examples of teaching materials or professional publications related to leadership and industry innovation.
This appointment is to a position that is in a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 509.
The compensation for this position is $6573.15.
PAY RANGE DISCLOSURE
The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").
INTRODUCTION
Brandeis University's Graduate Professional Studies (GPS) is looking for an industry leader to teach in our Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology & Enterprise program. Brandeis University is consistently ranked among the nation's top universities, and our online courses are developed using best practices in online learning. Information about Brandeis University and Graduate Professional Studies can be found online.
Course Title: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Drug Development
This course explores the use of AI and ML in pharmaceutical R&D. Topics include data preprocessing, predictive modeling, and applications in target identification, drug screening, and clinical trial optimization. Students gain hands-on experience using tools and algorithms to analyze real-world biotech data sets.
QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified candidates will have Subject Matter Qualifications in the following areas.
Required:
- Current active employment in the relevant biotech or pharmaceutical industry
- Deep knowledge of course-specific applications and industry practices
- Ph.D. or M.S.
- Strong communication and analytical skills
Preferred:
- Previous teaching experience or experience delivering professional training
- Familiarity with online instructional tools and platforms
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design a syllabus following program chair guidance and the syllabus template
- Create content aligned with course outcomes, integrating personal expertise
- Facilitate online discussions and provide timely, relevant feedback
- Maintain the course site and update content in the Moodle LMS
- Lead students in AI model development and interpretation using biotech case studies
- Help students critically assess the limitations and ethics of AI in pharmaceutical innovation
GENERAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster student engagement
- Written communication skills, especially for online learning
- Ability to manage time effectively and respond promptly to students
- Proficiency in applying machine learning tools (e.g., Python, scikit-learn, TensorFlow) to drug discovery datasets
ABOUT THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGY & ENTERPRISE
This program prepares students to innovate and lead in the fast-paced biotech industry, integrating scientific knowledge with business strategy. Students learn through project-based, real-world applications.
All GPS courses are 8-weeks long and taught asynchronously online.
ABOUT GPS FACULTY
GPS Faculty are active industry professionals who teach part-time, online. Our instructors hold at least a master's degree, and many have terminal degrees and professional certifications. Previous teaching experience is not required; GPS provides full training.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested candidates should submit:
- A cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and teaching experience.
- A current CV or resume.
- Contact information for three professional references.
- (Optional) Examples of teaching materials or professional publications related to leadership and industry innovation.
This appointment is to a position that is in a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 509.
The compensation for this position is $6573.15.
PAY RANGE DISCLOSURE
The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").
See all 354+ OPT AI Strategy Lead Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in AI Strategy Lead
Confirm STEM OPT eligibility before applying
AI Strategy Lead roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in computer science, data science, or a related STEM field. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before applications go out.
Target companies with active AI investment
Employers building dedicated AI practices, not just piloting tools, are far more likely to sponsor OPT and eventually H-1B visa. Look for organizations with internal AI labs, published AI roadmaps, or recent AI-focused hiring announcements.
Frame your experience around business outcomes
AI Strategy is not a pure engineering role. Hiring managers want evidence you can translate technical capabilities into organizational decisions. Highlight projects where your work directly influenced product direction, cost reduction, or revenue growth.
Understand the OPT reporting timeline
You must report a new employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting. For a senior role with a longer hiring process, factor in that your OPT clock runs continuously whether employed or not, so avoid gaps between offers.
Address OPT proactively with employers
Strategy-level roles often involve long hiring cycles with multiple stakeholders. Raise your OPT status early so decision-makers can consult HR or legal before making an offer, avoiding last-minute complications that derail otherwise strong candidacies.
Build a portfolio of cross-functional AI projects
AI Strategy Lead candidates who can show collaboration across engineering, product, and executive teams stand out. Document two or three examples where you drove alignment between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders on an AI initiative.
AI Strategy Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an AI Strategy Lead role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in computer science, data science, information systems, or another qualifying STEM field, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months total. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO, since the extension is tied to your program, not the role itself.
Will employers sponsor OPT for a strategy role rather than a technical one?
Yes, but the pool is smaller than for engineering roles. Employers who have already invested in building an AI function, and who need someone to lead strategy across business units, tend to be more flexible on work authorization because the talent is genuinely scarce. Migrate Mate filters specifically for OPT-friendly postings, so you can focus on employers already open to sponsorship.
Can I work as an AI Strategy Lead at a startup on OPT?
Yes, OPT allows employment at startups, including those without a formal HR department. The employer must be a legitimate business entity, and you must report the position to your DSO within 10 days of starting. One practical consideration: startups with fewer than 25 employees face higher STEM OPT reporting requirements, so confirm the company understands its obligations under the E-Verify and mentorship plan rules.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files for H-1B?
If your STEM OPT is still active when your employer submits an H-1B petition before the April 1 filing deadline, a timely filed petition extends your work authorization through a cap-gap period until October 1. If your OPT expires before that window, you cannot work legally in the interim. Planning your job start date and STEM OPT application timeline around the H-1B calendar is essential for roles at this level.
Is an AI Strategy Lead role considered a specialty occupation for future H-1B purposes?
Generally yes, provided the role requires a specific bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, or business analytics with a technical focus. Roles that are broadly defined as general management without a technical degree requirement may face more scrutiny. A well-scoped job description that connects the strategic responsibilities to specific technical knowledge strengthens the specialty occupation argument significantly.